SPOTLIGHT: Women Advancing Microfinance New York (WAM NY)

Women Advancing Microfinance New York is a women-led community that provides opportunities for women in New York to learn about financial inclusion, leadership, professional development,entrepreneurship, and women's empowerment. WAM NY engages its members by focusing its agenda and programming on the following:

Leading discussions on financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and women's leadership issues

Personal and professional workshops

Networking events

Setting up site visits and tours led by the entrepreneurs of their start-up businesses

Supporting women globally through their Scholarship Fund

WAM NY supports women from economically disadvantaged communities around the world working in the financial inclusion sector through their Scholarship Fund. Each year, a women's leadership training project or initiative is selected and scholarships are given to those most in need. Past partners include Women's World Banking and Pro Mujer. The financial support provided through these scholarships is raised through memberships, donations, and by hosting special events - more than $50,000 has been raised and given out to date!

The most recent opportunity provided by the organization is its Mentorship Program. This program, launched in February at the Neighborhood Preservation Center, matches mentors and mentees throughout the WAM NY network. The six-month mentoring program will include a series of events and a professional platform for those involved to learn how to change or advance their career, become an entrepreneur, advance specific job skills, or apply for a higher level of education.